Tater Tots Triumph at Burger Bars

Tater tots have been around for more than 60 years, spending much of that time on school-lunch trays. It’s estimated that Americans eat 70 million pounds of the little darlin’s annually. And, like mac ‘n cheese, tots have moved from cafeterias to restaurants, and from sides to mains.

This is especially true at burger joints, where fries have long been the norm. But like every other aspect of the American burger meals—from bun to patty to toppings—has been re-engineered, tots are a common and increasingly inventive on burger menus. At Milwaukee’s AJ Bombers, the motto is “When life gives you Tuesdays, Totchos,” a mashup of tots and nachos. Blue Door Pub in St. Paul, Minn., celebrates Totcho Mondays. A recent special was what it called Tots of Time: poutine-style Totchos with Parmesan & herb-seasoned tots, cheese curds, & apple cider braised bacon smothered in cider pork (below).

Increasingly they are hearty entrées rather than sides. The Johnny Rockets chain, for instance, has just introduced a winter menu that includes Loaded Street Philly Tots (tots covered with Cheddar cheese, thinly sliced grilled sirloin steak, caramelized onions and green peppers, below).

The secret is out on tots, including the Cheesy Tots filled with Parmesan and Cheddar at Umami Burger (below). They used to be a “secret menu” item for those-in-the-know to request and enjoy; now they’re on the menu for all.